5 things learned from the 2022 NFL Annual Meetings…

3. Rich Bisaccia is the real (energetic) deal.

The Packers’ new special-teams coordinator is scheduled to meet with the Green Bay reporters in the coming weeks and the beat corps is in for a real treat, according to LaFleur.

“Just wait. Buckle up, baby. Buckle up,” LaFleur said. “He is a fiery dude now.”

Known for his high energy and passion, Bisaccia is also regarded as one of the league’s most disciplined special-team coaches who demands the same out of his players.

That appealed to LaFleur during his search for a new leader of the Packers’ special-team unit. The hire received rave reviews from LaFleur’s close friend and former player, Will Compton, who called Bisaccia “the best leader he’s ever been around” from their time together with the Raiders.

“I can’t wait to see how he interacts with our players and that dimension that he’s going to bring, not only to special teams but I think really to our entire team,” said LaFleur of Bisaccia.

“He’s got high standards. He’s going to be demanding. But he cares about not only his players but also cares about people. I just think, from my interactions with him, he’s going to be a real asset for us.”

4. The Packers have big plans for ‘Big Bob.’

From what LaFleur has seen, all signs point towards tight end Robert Tonyan returning to form after a season-ending knee injury prematurely ended his 2021 season after eight games.

With Tonyan now five months into his rehab, LaFleur was happy to re-sign the fifth-year veteran and excited about the reintroducing him back into the offense next season.

Tonyan enjoyed a breakout season in 2020, catching 52 passes for 586 yards and 11 touchdown receptions. According to Pro Football Reference, Tonyan caught 88.1% of his targets that season.

The 6-foot-5, 240-pound tight end’s numbers took a dip last season, something LaFleur chalks up to Tonyan not having as many opportunities as he did in 2020. Once Tonyan is cleared, however, LaFleur believes the table is set for the 28-year-old tight end to make a significant impact.

“Physically, I think he’ll be ready to go,” LaFleur said. “I think there’s still a lot of room for growth in his game. Getting a guy that is the way he works, how intelligent he is, that’s great for us. Certainly, he’s got a rapport with Aaron, which is a big deal, as well. Excited to have him back on our team.”

5. The Packers have only scratched the surface with De’Vondre Campbell.

As someone who’s known Campbell since he was a rookie, LaFleur couldn’t have been happier to see the seventh-year linebacker rewarded with a long-term extension to stay in Green Bay.

The two previously worked together in Atlanta, where LaFleur served as the Falcons’ quarterbacks coach in 2015-16. Campbell later cited LaFleur’s presence in Green Bay as a driving force behind his decision to sign with the Packers.

Campbell was widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top free-agent signings last season, earning first-team All-Pro recognition after recording a career-high 145 tackles.

“For a guy like Dre, who I’ve known since he was rookie in the league in Atlanta, I thought it was awesome,” LaFleur said. “He’s super-consistent in everything he does and just a great team guy. He’s not the most outspoken guy – that’s one thing that we’ve talked about is how can we put him in positions to be more vocal – but I want him to always stay true to himself. I think there’s more room for him take more of a leadership role on our team because I think he is so well-respected.”